A historic tour returns to Oyster Bay
Raynham Hall Museum offers two hours of highlights of town’s busy four centuries
Raynham Hall Museum is reviving the tradition of historic walking tours through the streets of Oyster Bay, offering residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to explore the town’s rich history. Starting this summer, the guided tours will provide a journey through time, highlighting the significant sites and stories that have shaped Oyster Bay’s past.
Christopher Judge, director of visitor services at Raynham Hall, spearheaded the initiative to bring back the walking tours.
“Years ago, John Hammond, the Oyster Bay town historian, used to conduct these tours,” Judge recalled. “I thought it would be nice to revive the idea, especially after reading Hammond’s books on local history. The stories of the people and events in and around Oyster Bay are fascinating, and I wanted to share them with the community.”
The tour, roughly a mile and a half long and lasting two hours, will take participants to various historic sites throughout the town. Starting at the museum, they will include stops at Fort Hill Cemetery, Triangle Park, Roosevelt Memorial Park and other notable locations.
One highlight is the gravesite of Robert Townsend, a member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring, whose headstone is among the oldest in the cemetery, which has other graves dating back to the 17th century.
The tour’s historic content has been compiled with the help of Margo Arceri, a historian and the founder of the Three Village Historical Society’s Tri-Spy Tours. Arceri provided valuable insights and guidance on how to structure the tour.
“Margo was incredibly helpful,” Judge said. “She agreed to come to Oyster Bay and walk through the tour with us, offering tips and suggestions on how to make it engaging for participants.”
Judge and other museum officials mapped out the route, ensuring that it covers a broad span of Oyster Bay’s history, from its colonial roots in the 18th century to its growth in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The tour touches on the town’s maritime heritage, including the bustling oyster harvesting industry and tales of privateers and pirates who once roamed local waters.
Another stop will be at what is now Nobman’s Hardware Store, which served as a jail in the late 18th century. According to local lore, a spy who was held there managed to escape, though the details remain a mystery.
The first tours took place on July 20, but three more are scheduled for Sept. 14, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12, all starting at 10 a.m. at Raynham Hall, at 30 W. Main St. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for museum members. They are capped at 30 participants to ensure an intimate and engaging experience.
According to Judge, participants will not only enjoy the historical insights, but will also receive complimentary admission to the museum for the entire day of their tour.
“It’s a great way to extend the experience,” Judge said. “After the tour, guests can visit the museum, take a self-guided tour or enjoy our augmented-reality exhibits.”
Judge said that the town has been supportive of the initiative, promoting the tours on its website and through other channels. “We’ve had a few extra bookings thanks to their support,” Judge noted.
Town Clerk Richard LaMarca highlighted the significance of the tours in a statement, inviting residents to “embark on a journey through time” by signing up.
“This fun and educational tour takes you to multiple historic sites, bringing participants back to our Town’s colonial roots and its role in America’s formative years,” LaMarca wrote. “Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a picturesque walk, Oyster Bay’s Historic Walking Tour is a delightful blend of education and leisure.”
Judge and his team have carefully considered accessibility for the tours. While most of the route is flat and manageable, the path to Fort Hill Cemetery can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
“We’ve advised some participants to stay at the bottom of the hill during that part of the tour,” Judge said. “The rest of the route is accessible, but we encourage people to inquire about any specific needs they might have.”
Those interested in taking one of the three remaining tours are encouraged to buy their tickets early. The October dates are expected to be particularly popular, because the tours will incorporate seasonal themes, including Halloween and ghost stories.
For more information on the tours and the other offerings at the museum, visit RaynhamHallMuseum.org.
